Origin Labeling for Melons and Tomatoes
ECJ on Geographical Indication of Origin – Case No. C-399/22 Consumers must not be misled regarding the geographical origin of a product. Consequently, melons and tomatoes originating from Western Sahara must not be labeled as agricultural products from Morocco. Such labeling is deceptive and constitutes a violation of competition law, the European Court of […]
General Court Confirms Toy Figure Trademark
Application for Nullity of a 3D Trademark Rejected – Case No. T-298/22 The shape of the figures of a well-known toy manufacturer remains protected under trademark law following a decision by the General Court of the European Union (GC) on December 6, 2023 (Case No.: T-298/22). In its judgment, the GC dismissed a competitor’s […]
d.i.i. – Funds in Insolvency
Insolvency Proceedings Opened for d.i.i. 14 and dii. Wohnimmobilien Deutschland 2 Funds The insolvency of d.i.i. Deutsche Invest Immobilien AG, based in Wiesbaden, has now directly impacted two fund companies. In October 2024, insolvency proceedings were initiated at the district courts in Frankfurt and Wiesbaden for both d.i.i. 14. GmbH & Co. Closed Investment KG […]
Exclusion from Pension Equalization
Decision of the Berlin Higher Regional Court (KG Berlin) dated March 7, 2024, Case No. 16 UF 112/23 When a marriage fails and a divorce is granted, the family court automatically carries out the pension equalization process. In this process, the pension rights accrued by both spouses are usually divided equally between them. However, […]
BGH on Photomurals and Copyright
Judgments of the BGH of September 11, 2024 – Case No.: I ZR 139/23 / I ZR 140/23 / I ZR 141/23 Photomurals and copyright issues have long occupied the courts. The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has now clarified, with rulings from September 11, 2024, that the depiction of a photomural on the internet […]
Immoral Damage in Online Trade
Judgment of the Higher Regional Court of Hamm dated April 16, 2024 – Ref. No.: 4 U 151/22 “Rate your purchase” – customers are often invited to rate their online purchases in such or similar terms. There are always competitors who take advantage of this opportunity to damage their rivals on the internet by […]
Tax Evasion: Exemption through Voluntary Disclosure
Returning to Tax Legality with Voluntary Disclosure Those who have concealed taxable income or provided incorrect or incomplete information to the tax authorities may be guilty of tax evasion. If tax evasion is discovered, the taxpayer faces severe penalties, ranging from fines to several years of imprisonment. However, the legislator has still kept open the […]
Accusation of Undeclared Work
Undeclared work can become costly – get help from an experienced attorney The accusation of undeclared work should not be underestimated and can lead to significant fines or prison sentences. Undeclared work occurs, for example, when services or works are performed, but contributions to social security or taxes are not duly paid. If there is […]
Divorce where one spouse is not on board
Unlike when getting married, it is not necessary for both parties to say “I do” to a divorce. In fact, it may even be possible to obtain a divorce in cases where the married couple have been separated for less than three years. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for the end of a marriage […]
